Compact subset of R^n

1. Mar 5, 2008

bxn4

I am struggling to prove the following: Let E be a compact nonempty subset of R^k and let delta = {d(x,y): x,y in E}. Show E contains points x_0,y_0 such that d(x_0,y_0)=delta.

2. Mar 5, 2008

jostpuur

Am I correct to guess that you meant the supremum

$$\Delta := \sup\{d(x,y)\;|\;x,y\in E\}\; ?$$

It is convenient to consider a function $d:E\times E\to\mathbb{R}$, and use some basic topological results, or their immediate consequences. For example: The Cartesian product of compact sets is a compact set. In metric spaces compact sets are sequentially compact. The distance function d is continuous. Continuous mappings map compact sets into compact sets. The Heine-Borel Theorem. Just put pieces together!

3. Mar 5, 2008

bxn4

Yes, it is the supremum. I am using the fact that E is compact to show that there is a subsequence that converges in E. Then I'd want to say that the limit of d(x_n_j, y_n_j) is
\Delta but not sure how to show it. We have not talked about continuous functions. We have only studied sequences so far.

thanks